Former Mill Valley Champagne Space to Morph

Enjoy Mill Valley blog reports that the former space of Champagne in Mill Valley is the intended home of a new modern Mexican restaurant "Playa".  Karen Goldberg, owner of Mill Valley's TamalPie has big plans for it.  Read more at Enjoy Mill Valley.

Mill Valley's Toast to Close; Kitchen Sunnyside to follow

Enjoy Mill Valley blog reports that Mill Valley's "Toast" to close September 1 and Sausalito's Fred's Cafe owner, Steven Choi will open "Kitchen Sunnyside" after renovations later in Fall 2014. 

Harmonious

Harmony - fresh, light and organic, and tasty too.  I recently enjoyed a meal at this popular Mill Valley Chinese restaurant.

I love that their Crisp Living Butter Lettuce Cups with minced chicken and celery, organic carrots, water chestnuts and shitakes ($12) comes with the plum sauce on the side so controlling the amount of sweet flavor is easy.

And why did I wait so long to try the Organic Tofu infused with shitake mushrooms, wrapped in seaweed, lightly fried, tossed w/ garlic, chiles, cilantro, scallions ($9.50)?  I saw it on the menu, but couldn't picture the dish, then one day took the leap, and now it's frequently in my favorite dish rotation when dining at Harmony.  They also are very good about assisting people with special diets such as gluten free.  Service was stellar and consistent with past experience.

I didn't order it this visit, but the Chocolate Sesame Ball ground lotus seed flour, sweet bean paste, melted chocolate and crushed almonds ($5) is quite a unique taste treat; I don't usually associate chocolate with Chinese restaurants.

Harmony Restaurant

800 Redwood Hwy, Ste 401

Mill Valley, CA 94941

(415) 381-5300

www.harmonyrestaurantgroup.com

Previously reviewed:

August 10, 2007

July 17, 2007

February 23, 2007

Get directions and explore on Anna's Map.

Tried and True

Daniel and I had dinner at Joe's Taco Lounge in Mill Valley a couple days ago.  Daniel had recently discovered  and asked me why I'd never taken him there. Why indeed?  The festive and casual atmosphere is still a happy one with intergenerational presence.  There are hundreds of hot sauces to choose from lining the shelf that encircles the inside of the restaurant.  Daniel enjoyed the Grilled Pacific Snapper Burrito with rice, black beans, cheese and salsa negra ($7.50).  He keeps coming back for this filling and healthy meal he likes it so much.

I was tempted by the chalkboard special- Pollo Adobado ($15.95).  The small print read tender chicken marinated in achiote, garlic, lime, salt and pepper, served with refried black beans, Spanish rice, sour cream and guacamole. Not mentioned was the bit of shredded lettuce and pico de gallo that completed the plate.  The chicken was tender and well marinated, and a taste of achiote, garlic and lime was distinguishable.  The servers were attentive and we enjoyed our meal.

Joe's Taco Lounge 

382 Miller Ave.

Mill Valley, CA 94941

(415) 383-8164

www.joestacolounge.com

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Previously reviewed:

July 11, 2009

May 26, 2007

Get directions and explore on Anna's Map.

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The Cantina

On a warm summer's day I dropped into The Cantina for lunch, and a few days later found myself there for brunch with family.  The Cantina was a long lived restaurant in Mill Valley that left for a bit, replaced by Maria Maria, then it came back with some reinvention.

 

Chips and salsa arrived soon after I sat down, and I found that the chips are gluten free and made fresh every day on premises.

 

I enjoyed an old favorite, and found a new twist.  This arroz con pollo had a pounded chicken breast atop Mexican rice.  Along with the ranchero sauce, there were chunky pieces of red and green bell peppers and onions.  Usually I've had this dish where the chicken was served over the rice in tenders, and not with such fresh and colorful peppers and sweet onion as toppings. Also my experience of this dish at other places is without the corn cake, refried beans and green lettuce.  This dish shined.  The only thing I would have changed is to have some kind of dressing or topping for the plain, yet crisp and fresh lettuce.

 

A second trip for brunch found me irresistibly drawn to the crab omelet. The omelet was accompanied by soft potatoes, sour cream and pico de gallo. I was happy with this dish.  The crab was very smooth and paired well with the egg envelope.

The latest food inspection reports can be found here.

The Cantina
651 E Blithedale Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 381-1070

For directions, try Anna's Map.

Mill Valley Beerworks is open

Brothers Justin and Tyler have opened Mill Valley Beerworks which is open 7 days a week from noon to midnight. I ambled by on this sunny afternoon and snapped a shot of their window. The interior looked nice through the window with lots of wood and directed lights. I'm personally curious about the housemade root beer on the menu. I have pleasant summer picnic memories of my great aunts making this cooling beverage out in the woods next to a quickly running river up near Mt. Pilchuck in Washington State.

It's open!

I attempted three times to go to the new Dish in Mill Valley, the last being Tuesday night. I was informed that there was a 'soft' opening over the Memorial Day weekend, however Dish would be open for good starting tonight, Wednesday. Unfortunately I already had conflicting plans for this evening, so the taste of Dish will have to happen sometime later, but hopefully soon as it looks great! Read more about Dish in Bread and Butter.

Maria Maria closes

Oh well... and Maria Maria was right in my Mill Valley back yard. It happened rather abruptly and the scan I made of internet sources did not have any reasons why.

I'm still working away on my crashed computer.. have to save as much as possible (slow work) and wipe it clean :-(.

No more moussaka

My friend Andi Bird came visiting from Vancouver, BC and I thought it would be fun to let her know when Rain Tree Cafe would be having their fabulous moussaka as a daily special this week. I was so shocked to find that it had slipped away...no signage, no tables and chair, just one of the cleanest spaces I've ever seen for a move-out. I didn't let it spoil my fun with Andi today however, we had a great time talking at Taste of Rome this morning!

The Wasabi Incident

Dad & I went to Robata Grill & Sushi for a lovely lunch today. When I saw Dad's hand on the pretty green wasabi, I warned him- that' s hot mustard, it goes in the dish with soy sauce, not directly in your mouth! Oh, said he. He had a lovely obento special for $10.50 that included Teriyaki Chicken, Deep Fried Scallops, Salad, Miso Soup, fresh fruit, and an eel-cucumber roll (hense the wasabi). I had a combo of Teriyaki Salmon and Tempura. About three quarters of the way through our meal Dad suddenly looked like he was choking! Coughing, teary-eyes and redfaced suddenly, I jumped out of my seat thinking he'd inhaled something, and started patting his back and trying to remember the Heimlich maneuver. However, as he calmed down he said that it was something too 'hot', and I looked at the empty spot the wasabi tower had been. He'd forgotten that he wasn't to eat it. Next time, I'll have to ask the waiter to hold the wasabi from his plate.

Tried and true

Dad and I went to The Dipsea Cafe in Mill Valley for breakfast a few days ago. The Dipsea provides a reliably solid breakfast, with lots of choice and well-executed, interesting specials. The service is friendly without keeping you from your friends. It's a great place to meet friends for a chat, and since so many others agree, the restaurant can be quite noisy.

I ordered the Vegetarian Frittata. It had generous portions of mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, spinach, and zucchini. It was smothered with a melted pool of Jack cheese. The wheat toast is covering the home fries, and you can clearly see the housemade strawberry jam, which is so good it can cause swooning.

Dad wanted "The Ususal". The dish of two eggs, two slices of bacon, home fries, and a biscuit is $8.95 on weekdays. Most other dishes are around $12, including my frittata. It's a bit pricey, and worth it for it's charm and good food. We both enjoyed our breakfasts.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 2

Noncritical: 1

Last inspected: 1/26/2009

Previously reviewed:

July 31, 2008
July 19, 2007
June 6, 2007
December 15, 2006

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

The cheer factor

Dad and I decided to get back to Mama's Royal Cafe in Mill Valley at lunch time today, prompted in part by a buy 2 beverages + 1 entree and get 1 entree free coupon we received in one of those discount mailers. We were greeted warmly and invited to take any unfilled seat in the house. It was just as we remembered it, whimsical and psychedelic!

Dad wanted a burger, and because at 89 he has difficulty getting his mouth around burgers piled high with extras, he ordered the Nostalgia '57 without onion, but definitely including the 'secret sauce'. He LOVED his hamburger, but wished that there was something more interesting in his salad than just greens, cheese and Ranch dressing.

I decided the Black Sheep Crepe was for me. The crepe is filled with sauteed spinach and mushrooms, and topped with sour cream. I didn't notice until I got it that there was no cheese listed for the interior which I thought unusual for a crepe. However, I liked it this way. It had a fresh taste and the sour cream flavor was more prominent in this style. We came towards the end of lunch hour, and I'm not sure if that is why, but the potatoes were a bit crisp and dried out. Mama's has a long history in Mill Valley and is so unique and cheerful that who cares if the potatoes aren't quite perfect? We had a great lunch together.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 9/29/2009

Previously reviewed:
August 3, 2008
October 24, 2006

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Lovely brunch

I was treated to brunch at Piazza d'Angelo in Mill Valley by some good friends one recent Sunday. We had a peaceful corner to ourselves (once the music from a speaker directly overhead was turned down). There were quite a number of delicious-sounding menu items, but we managed to choose.

Michael and I both chose the Wild Mushroom Frittata. We were being particularly precise about our opinions on the frittata. Michael thought it was a bit thin and overcooked, it could have been made a little fluffier for his taste. Personally, I was looking for the mushrooms. It didn't contain many to carry the moniker "Wild Mushroom Frittata". I thought the addition of the potatoes on the top was particularly decorative.

Michael's wife ordered the Pan Fried Trout. It looked luscious! She loved it, and we decided it was the best dish at the table.

Their older daughter was in the mood for veggies, so ordered a Grilled Vegetable Platter. She asked the waiter for some Parmesan and made quite a tasty and healthy dish for herself.

The younger one thought the Omelette Campagnolo sounded good with its filling of onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella cheese. She asked them to leave out the mushrooms, however it was served with mushrooms when it came. Our waiter was new to the restaurant so was still getting used to things. She just removed them and was ok about it.

Since it was a bit of an occasion we shared a couple of desserts. The first was a feather-light yet creamy Tiramisu. The chocolate shavings on the top gave it an extra air of festivity, and of course we chocolate lovers dove in!

The other dessert was an open pastry puff with pineapple flavored cream. There were small chunks of pineapple in the filling. It was light and sweetly satisfying. I was having difficulty with getting a good shot of this without shadows, so Michael took the photo on my camera from a different angle. Although there were some glitches in our service, having been here many times it was definitely the exception and I would not hesitate to come here again for delicious Italian food.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1

Noncritical: 1

Last inspected: 7/21/2008

Previously reviewed:
November 7, 2007
April 27, 2007

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Breakfast Herbs

This is doable, this is SO doable, I think as I clip green in the early morning light. I have no garden space, and these herbs are grown in their shiny containers on the deck without any effect from the fact that they are not in their more natural habitat. A wisp of basil smell wafts to my nose, followed by a fresh minty scent. I will take these herbs directly inside to make a morning mint tea to sip while washing and preparing the basil leaves and green onions to join a fire engine red organic tomato grown on Capay Farms in a lemon yellow frittata for breakfast. Who knew that the good life comes so easily?

New restaurants popping up like flowers in spring

I received a tip that the new Antigua Mexican Grill that is in my Mill Valley backyard opened up! So that was my venue for last night's dinner. The place has absolutely been transformed! The space bears no resemblance to the previous Peking Wok that previously occupying the space. The color scheme incorporates warm oranges and orange leather chairs made in Mexico. It is a casual, yet upscale and warm feeling space. It must be a sign of an improving economy that a bunch of new restaurants are opening here in Marin.

First thing up was chips and salsa. I loved how the salsas were put into bottles that you poured from the amounts you wished into a bowls provided on the tables. You could taste the freshness in the green and red varieties. The chips were fine, but heating them would have taken these to the next level.

I decided to have a treat of some guacamole with these. It was fine, but for $7.50 I expected something a little more extraordinary.

The Prawn Fajitas were out of this world! The waiter recommended these, and he was right on the money! These came with three flour tortillas to wrap the goodness into. The portion was generous, so three didn't quite make it if you want to roll most of the grilled fajitas into a tortilla. Extra tortillas come in foil packet of three, and cost $.50 extra.

The side of rice, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream was also generously portioned. The Prawn Fajitas are priced at $13.95 (before the extra tortillas). I was happy to find out that the whole pinto beans were cooked vegetarian style, and that there is a nice selection of vegetarian items on the menu. The couple next to me ordered one of their large shared plates, I think it was called The Molcajetel. It came in a bowl with legs and the pieces were artfully arranged such that it almost looked alive! The couple gave it a thumbs up, and it was HUGE. The service was prompt and friendly, and all the patrons were checked in on regularly by staff and even the friendly owner, Mike. He said that they have a restaurant called QuiXote Grill in San Francisco as well.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Antigua Mexican Grill has not yet been inspected.

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Cocooning

Maybe it's the crispness in the air, the beautiful apples glistening in the market or I've been away from home too much. I just couldn't rouse myself for an outing last evening. Besides, I had lots of leftovers (from all those generous portions at restaurants!) and haven't been using my deck as much as in times past. Dad had a companion, Glen, for the evening so I chose to stay at home and enjoy my deck.

So I sat there snapping photos, watching the dogs being walked and listening to the drone of the small single engine seaplanes overhead. I wondered what the people passing by on the path though of the barnyard noises coming from my open door. I've become slightly addicted to FarmVille on Facebook, and my 'animals' were braying and clucking in the background. You know that's a very educational little game. However, the creators COULD really inject a little more reality into it... you have to mortgage the farm to the bank to buy seed, blights happen, regulators tell you to widen the area between the animals and ground crops, etc. Those were the kind of musings I was having in the fall evening without something else demanding attention.

So I had some leftover rice that I covered with some seaweed sprinkles, and had an assortment of other things from fridge and a crab cake from Molly Stone's.

Leaning in I took a good whiff of the smell of deliciousness. Mmmm. I could enjoy some more peaceful nights like this!

Crepes!

I had a lovely breakfast of crepes at the Rain Tree Cafe in Mill Valley the other day. There is a nice selection of both sweet and savory. The waitstaff was prompt and friendly and I was able to have a nice breakfast and still arrive at work on time!

The crepes come with your choice of salad or potatoes. I felt more in an American breakfast mood and chose the potatoes.

The crepe I chose was a Florentine which of course had spinach, but also onion and jack cheese. It was a little change of pace to start the day and quite enjoyable!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 4/20/2009

Previously reviewed:
July 9, 2009
March 15, 2009
September 7, 2007
March 7, 2007

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Scenic brunch

Sunday morning was misty. Dad and I decided to make it special by trying out Piatti's brunch. Piatti's is just around the corner from us in Mill Valley. We arrived a few minutes after their opening at 10:00, and were told that we were their first guests of the day. Naturally we had a choice spot by the window!

As quick as a wink our mochas and bread basket came to the table. The bread basket contained a variety of morning breads, sweet and croissant. These were each cut in two for easy sharing. We could have polished off the basket with our mocha and said that we had a great breakfast. But we ordered real breakfast dishes!

Dad had two scrambled eggs with applewood smoked bacon. He said it was first class!

The waitress admitted to a bout of brain-freeze when she served me something I did not order. What she slipped in front of me was the Uova Milanese, or two eggs fried with breadcrumbs, asparagus, Parmesan and roasted potatoes. She said that she would just give it to me, box it, as she'd have to just toss it otherwise. So I nibbled on the asparagus while my real dish was being prepared. I had the eggs at home for dinner - wow. I would have never guessed what adding a few breadcrumbs to the top of fried eggs would do. It was great, even reheated.

In short order the dish that I actually ordered arrived. Two poached eggs on Parmesan polenta with spinach and wild mushrooms and marinara sauce. The polenta was a soft cloud, and it really should have been served with a spoon as dripping would be unavoidable. And you wouldn't want to miss a drop! I found myself sopping up the juices with a croissant that was in the bread basket. The wild mushrooms were of the cremini variety. I loved this dish! If I were recommending a little getaway in Mill Valley, I'd recommend staying at the Aqua Hotel, then walking over for brunch at Piatti's.

And the view is lovely too, even on a gray and misty day. It just looks mysterious then.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 2
Noncritical: 2
Last inspected: 10/29/2008

Previously reviewed:
December 27, 2007
March 2, 2007

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Finally!

I've followed Tsukiji Sushi from its possibility in Sausalito, all the way to its coming to Mill Valley. And about a month after its opening, I finally made it here. I was favorably impressed with the elegant ambiance they've created on the inside, and the polite and knowledgeable waitstaff that served me during lunch.

Miso soup came quickly, and it was deliciously complex with just the right balance of dashi and miso.

I was surprised at the generous size of the salad that followed. It was well dressed in a typical Japanese mayonnaise based dressing. I thought it was a plus for the meal.

And then, what I was waiting for arrived, the Chirashi Don. It had a wide variety of fresh bites from the sea and beyond. It was a wonderfully artful and had the deft hand of a sushi master in the cut -- smooth, not grainy. I'm really happy to have another Japanese option so close to home!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Tsukiji Sushi has not yet been inspected.

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.